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There are alot of horrible things happening in the world and especially to the enviroment so in this blog I would like to talk about some amazing environmental and conservation success stories that happened in 2016.

Support For Palm Oil Labeling

Melbourne and Auckand Zoo had a massive campaign for Palm Oil to be labeled clearly. Their polls show that 84% of Austrailans and 92% of people in New Zeland support Palm Oil labelling. Over 100,000 Aussies have also signed a petition for proper labelling as part of the campaign. Even Chris and Liam Hemsworth signed the petition. Their campaigns have been so successful that the Victorian Goverment has announced that they support clear palm oil labelling.

Currently Palm Oil can be labeled under over 200 names. Some of the most common names it is labelled under is Emulsifier (most emulsifiers are palm oil), Humectant 422, Humectant Glycerol and Palmitate just to name a few.

Tiger Populations Increase For The First Time In 100 Years

Tigers are one of the world's most endangered animals but this is the first time in 100 years that tiger populations have increased. In 2010 there were only 3,200 tigers in the wild but now there is 3,890. This is due to better anti poaching programs, WWF teaching local communities how to protect tiger habitat and the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Giant Pandas Downlisted to Vulnerable

Tigers aren't the only animal on the road to recovery this year. Giant Pandas were Endangered but now they have been down listed to Vulnerable. As their population has increased 17% in the 10 years leading up to 2014. Pandas are extremely important for the environment as they disperse seeds.

Success For Pangolins

Not alot of people have heard of the Pangolin but they are one of the world's most endangered animals and are the most trafficked. All legal trade of these animals is now no longer thanks to CITIES (Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna and Flora) strengthening existing protections.

Cash For Containers Is Comming

How many cans and bottles can you spot?

This year the New South Wales Government revealed that Cash for Containers will come to New South Wales in 2017 and the Queensland Goverment revealed it will start a Cash For Containers program in 2018.

It is fantastic that it is comming to QLD and NSW because

QLD is Australia's most littered state

Not one Australian beach is litter free

Littered water bottles pollute the environment

Making a new can from a recycled uses 95% less engery than making a new can from scratch

Increased recycling

More people will pick up rubbish and dispose of rubbish thoughtfully

South Austraila and the Northern Territory already have the scheme it is about time we get it

Single Use Plastic Bags Will Be Banned In Queensland in 2018

The QLD Goverment has announced that in 2018 they will ban single use plastic bags including "biodegradable" ones! Now we just need the New South Wales and Victorian Government to come on board.

Please feel free to share any environmental and conservation success stories you might have. I would love to hear them. Together we can create positive change!​Have A Happy New Year!